3 days in the Emerald Country

by Maria Beltran (Mexico)

A leap into the unknown Ireland

It was July 2019. I live in Jalisco, Mexico, but I recently moved back from Phoenix, Arizona to my home town. I was urgent for a completely different environment, then I started looking to the map and asking myself: what could it be different than here and also to Phoenix? Then I saw Ireland. In my thoughts I never had that Emerald country in my list, but I thought it would be great to be spontaneous and adventurous. I booked my tickets and did my trip the next month. I wanted to travel as a local, so I rented an apartment in the heart of Dublin. When I talked to the person who was renting the apartment to me to get some advises, he told me to be ready for the weather because it’s Ireland! At the beginning I didn’t understand at all what he was refereeing or talking about. Then I brought boots, sneakers, warm clothes, bikinis, everything! For real, I didn’t know what to expect! The first day I was mesmerized about Dublin, I stayed 2 blocks away from Temple Bar and there was already people hanging out in the streets. People singing, having drinks, but also, it was very rainy! The next day I went to book my tours (everything in Dublin is walking distance, I believe there is no need to rent a car or get a cab) so I booked the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. That day was very humid and warm, no need of a jacket or pants (or that’s what I thought meanwhile in the morning) I went to this breakfast place next to the tours office called Póg where I got the best pancakes I had ever tried! After that I went for a long walking around Dublin where I got to meet different buildings with amazing architecture (I have to say Ireland is a very safe place, as a woman and solo trip, I felt safe all the time). Around 4 pm it started to rain really hard and I looked for a closed place near by that ended up being a museum with a bunch of restaurants inside. After that and 18,000 steps later. I came back to the apartment and got ready for dinner (to try the famous fish and chips) and a tour to the Pubs. This is very interesting because when you get to the entrance of Temple Bar, it’s like getting into a Harry Potter’s movie. Like Diagon Alley. Then you start seeing how much night life Dublin has. The best thing you can do is to jump from Pub to Pub. Each one has live Irish Music and of course, Guiness! The next day I woke up for my tour to the Cliffs. It took about 4 hours and the tour guide was very friendly, you definitely don’t get bored in the way to! He told us different Local stories and very useful information! The Cliffs of Moher are a very unique and beautiful experience. I was very lucky to find a spot where I could seat and eat a snack very close to the end of a Cliff (just be careful about it, it’s a big risky). It’s a moment where you can relax, close your eyes and listen to the sea. After that we went to Galway. Galway is a small city with a lot of life, food and fun. I would loved to stay longer, so If you visit there. Try to stay at least one night. That day I came back to the apartment and did another Tour to the Pubs (for real, you need at least 3-4 days to do the full-tour, you won’t get bored). While I was in the Bus, I got the chance to book another tour (they offer you that option) to the Game of Thrones Tour (a 100% recommended) with the most fun guy and also actor and writter. He makes it a unique experience, this tour goes to the North of Ireland and part of Scotland (be ready with pounds instead of Euros). Ireland stole my heart, I definitely want to go back there soon and keep discovering this gorgeous Emerald country.